Heterocyclic compounds as pesticides

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to novel amides and thioamides, to processes for preparation thereof and to the use thereof for controlling animal pests, in particular arthropods and especially insects.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/088,026, filed Apr. 15, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,229), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/325,094, filed Apr. 16, 2010, and European Patent Application No. 10160189.6, filed Apr. 16, 2010, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The present application relates to novel amides and thioamides, to processes for preparation thereof and to the use thereof for controlling animal pests, which include arthropods and especially insects.

Particular amides and thioamides have already become known as insecticidally active compounds (cf. DE 2221647, WO 2009/149858, WO 2010/129497).

In addition, the compound of the formula

has become known (CAS Registry No. 262855-20-9), but no use has been described therefor.

Modern crop protection compositions have to meet many demands, for example in relation to the level, duration and breadth of their action and possible use. Questions of toxicity and of combinability with other active ingredients or formulation auxiliaries play a role, as does the question of the expense that the synthesis of an active ingredient requires. In addition, resistances can occur. For all these reasons, the search for novel crop protection compositions cannot be considered to be complete, and there is a constant need for novel compounds having properties which, compared to the known compounds, are improved at least in relation to individual aspects.

It was an object of the present invention to provide compounds which widen the spectrum of the pesticides in various respects.

This object, and further objects which are not stated explicitly but can be discerned or derived from the connections discussed herein, are achieved by novel compounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   A¹ and A² are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro,     alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkoxy, -   G¹ is N or C-A¹ and -   G² is a radical from the group of

in which the arrow marks the bond to the adjacent ring,

-   R¹ in the case of the heterocycles (A) and (D) is hydrogen, halogen,     cyano, alkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylthio or     haloalkyl, and -   R¹ in the case of heterocycle (C) is hydrogen, alkyl or haloalkyl, -   B is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl,     amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylthio or alkoxy and -   G³ is a radical from the group of

in which the arrow marks the bond to G² and the radicals (E), (F), (G), (H), (K) and (L) can be combined with the heterocycles (A), (B), (C) and (D), the radical (I) with the heterocycle (A) and the radical (J) with the heterocycles (A), (C) and (D),

-   X is oxygen or sulphur, -   n is 1 or 2, -   R² is a radical from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl,     cyanoalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, optionally     halogen-substituted alkylcarbonyl, optionally halogen-substituted     alkoxycarbonyl, optionally halogen-, alkyl-, alkoxy-, haloalkyl- and     cyano-substituted cycloalkylcarbonyl, or a cation, for example a     mono- or divalent metal ion or an optionally alkyl- or     arylalkyl-substituted ammonium ion, -   R³ and R⁷ are each independently a radical from the group of in each     case optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, in each case     optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, in     which the rings may contain at least one heteroatom from the group     of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately     adjacent) and nitrogen, in each case optionally substituted aryl,     heteroaryl, arylalkyl and heteroarylalkyl and an optionally     substituted amino group, -   R² and R³ may also form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally     substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which may contain one or more     further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen     atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least     one carbonyl group, -   R⁴ and R⁵ are each independently a radical from the group of in each     case optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkynyl, in each     case optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl,     cycloalkenyl, in which the rings may contain at least one heteroatom     from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be     immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, in each case optionally     substituted aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl and heteroarylalkyl and an     optionally substituted amino group, -   R⁸ is a radical from the group of hydrogen, in each case optionally     substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkynyl, in each case optionally     substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, in which the     rings may contain at least one heteroatom from the group of sulphur,     oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and     nitrogen, in each case optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl,     arylalkyl and heteroarylalkyl and an optionally substituted amino     group, -   R² and R⁴ may also form, together with the N—C(X) group to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally     substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which may contain one or more     further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen     atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least     one carbonyl group, -   R² and R⁵ may also form, together with the N—C(X) group to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally     substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which may contain one or more     further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen     atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least     one carbonyl group, -   R⁶ is hydrogen or alkyl, -   R² and R⁶ may also be, together with the nitrogen atoms to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally     substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which may contain at least one     further heteroatom from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen     atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least     one carbonyl group, -   R² and R⁷ may also form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group in the     radical (E) to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and     optionally substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which may contain one     or more further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where     oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen and/or     at least one carbonyl group, -   R⁶ and R⁷ may also form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally     substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which may contain one or more     further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen     atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least     one carbonyl group, -   R² and R⁸ may also form, together with the nitrogen atom to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally     substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which may contain one or more     further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen     atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least     one carbonyl group, -   L is oxygen or sulphur, -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each independently an in each case optionally     substituted radical from the group of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,     alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyloxy,     cycloalkenyloxy, cycloalkylalkoxy, alkylthio, alkenylthio, phenoxy,     phenylthio, benzyloxy, benzylthio, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio,     heteroarylalkoxy and heteroarylalkylthio, -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ may also form, together with the phosphorus atom to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally     substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which may contain one or two     heteroatoms from the group of oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be     immediately adjacent) and sulphur, and -   R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently an in each case optionally     substituted radical from the group of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,     phenyl and phenylalkyl,     -   and salts and N-oxides of the compounds of the formula (I), with         the proviso that R⁷ in the group (F) is not methyl when G¹ is         C—H, G² is the radical (A), R¹ is methyl, n is 2, X is oxygen         and A¹, R² and R⁶ are each hydrogen.

It has additionally been found that the novel compounds of the formula (I) can be obtained by the processes described below.

Depending on the G³ radical, the compounds of the formula (I) can be divided into the substructures (I_(E)) to (I_(L)).

Compounds of the formula (I_(E-G)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the heterocyclic carboxylic acids of the formula (II₁) or the acid chlorides thereof with amine derivatives of the formula (III_(E-G)).

where R¹³ is

Compounds of the formula (I₁) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the heterocyclic amines of the formula (II₂) with carboxylic acids of the formula (III_(I)) or acid chlorides thereof.

Compounds of the formula (I_(J)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the heterocyclic amines of the formula (II₂) with sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (III_(J)).

Compounds of the formula (I_(K)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₃) with amines of the formula (III_(K)).

Compounds of the formula (I_(L)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₃) with amides of the formula (III_(L)).

Finally, it has been found that the novel compounds of the formula (I) have very pronounced biological properties and are suitable in particular for controlling animal pests, especially insects, arachnids and nematodes, which are encountered in agriculture, in forests, in the protection of stored products and materials and in the hygiene sector.

The compounds of the formula (I) may, where appropriate, depending on the nature of the substituents, be in the form of geometric and/or optically active isomers or corresponding isomer mixtures in different compositions. The invention relates both to the pure isomers and to the isomer mixtures.

The inventive compounds may also be present as metal complexes, as described for other amides, for example, in DE 2221647.

Preferred substituents or ranges for the radicals shown in the compounds of the formula (I) are elucidated below.

-   A¹ and A² are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro,     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy. -   G¹ is N or C-A¹. -   G² is a radical from the group of

-   -   in which the arrow marks the bond to the adjacent ring.

-   R¹ in the case of the heterocycles (A) and (D) is hydrogen, halogen,     cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl.

-   R¹ in the case of heterocycle (C) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl.

-   B is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl     C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl.

-   G³ is a radical from the group of

-   -   in which the arrow marks the bond to G² and the radicals (E),         (F), (G), (H), (K) and (L) can be combined with the heterocycles         (A), (B), (C) and (D), the radical (I) with the heterocycle (A)         and the radical (J) with the heterocycles (A), (C) and (D),

-   X is oxygen or sulphur.

-   n is 1 or 2.

-   R² is a radical from the group of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, cyano-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy,     C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally     halogen-substituted C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, optionally     halogen-substituted C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl- and cyano-substituted     C₃-C₆-cycloalkylcarbonyl, or a cation, for example a mono- or     divalent metal ion or an optionally C₁-C₆-alkyl- or     aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-substituted ammonium ion.

-   R³ and R⁷ are each independently a radical from the group of in each     case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl- and     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl, in each case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy- or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyl, in which the rings may contain     at least one heteroatom from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where     oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent)     -   and nitrogen (and especially

-   -   where the arrow in each case marks the bond to the sulphur atom         in the radicals (E), (F) and (J)), in each case optionally         halogen-, cyano- (including in the alkyl moiety), nitro-,         C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-,         C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-,         C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-,         C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl-,         C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-, amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-,         di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-,         C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-,         C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₂-C₆-alkenyl-, C₂-C₆-alkynyl-,         C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl-,         C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl- or aminocarbonyl-substituted aryl,         heteroaryl, aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or NR′R″         in which R′ and R″ are each independently a radical from the         group of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,         C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl and         C₁-C₆-alkoxylcarbonyl.

-   R² and R³ may also form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which may contain     one or more further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen     (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen     and/or at least one carbonyl group; R² and R³ may especially,     together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, be a     radical from the group of

-   -   (in which the arrow again in each case marks the bond to G²).

-   R⁴ and R⁵ are each independently a radical from the group of in each     case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl- or     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₂-C₆-alkenyl and C₂-C₆-alkynyl, in each case optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy- or     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyl, in which the rings     may contain at least one heteroatom from the group of sulphur,     oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and     nitrogen, in each case optionally halogen-, cyano- (including in the     alkyl moiety), nitro-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-, amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-,     di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-,     C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₂-C₆-alkenyl-, C₂-C₆-alkynyl-,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl-,     C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl- or aminocarbonyl-substituted aryl, heteroaryl,     aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or NR′R″ in which R′ and     R″ are each independently a radical from the group of hydrogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl and C₁-C₆-alkoxylcarbonyl.

-   R⁸ is a radical from the group of hydrogen, in each case optionally     halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl- or     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, in each case optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy- or     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyl, in which the rings     may contain at least one heteroatom from the group of sulphur,     oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and     nitrogen, in each case optionally halogen-, cyano- (including in the     alkyl moiety), nitro-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-, amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-,     di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-,     C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₂-C₆-alkenyl-, C₂-C₆-alkynyl-,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl-,     C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl- or aminocarbonyl-substituted aryl, heteroaryl,     aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or NR′R″ in which R′ and     R″ are each independently a radical from the group of hydrogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl and C₁-C₆-alkoxylcarbonyl.

-   R² and R⁴ may also form, together with the N—C(X) group to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which may contain     one or more further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen     (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen     and/or at least one carbonyl group; R² and R⁴ may especially,     together with the N—C(X) group to which they are bonded, be a     radical from the group of

-   -   (in which the arrow again in each case marks the bond to G²).

-   R² and R⁵ may also form, together with the N—C(X) group to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which may contain     one or more further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen     (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen     and/or at least one carbonyl group; R² and R⁵ may especially,     together with the N—C(X) group to which they are bonded, be a     radical from the group of

-   -   (in which the arrow in each case marks the bond to the sulphur         atom in the radical (L)).

-   R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.

-   R² and R⁶ may also be, together with the nitrogen atoms to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which may contain     at least one further heteroatom from the group of sulphur, oxygen     (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen     and/or at least one carbonyl group; R² and R⁶ may especially,     together with the N—N group to which they are bonded, be a radical     from the group of

(in which the arrow again in each case marks the bond to G²).

-   R² and R⁷ may also form, in the case that G³ is (E), together with     the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or     unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring     which may contain one or more further heteroatoms from the group of     sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately     adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least one carbonyl group; R² and R⁷     may especially, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are     bonded, be a radical from the group of

(in which the arrow in each case marks the bond to the C(X) group).

-   R⁶ and R⁷ may also form, in the case that G³ is (F), together with     the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or     unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring     which may contain one or more further heteroatoms from the group of     sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately     adjacent) and nitrogen and/or at least one carbonyl group; R⁶ and R⁷     may especially, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are     bonded, be a radical from the group of

(in which the arrow in each case marks the bond to the C(X) group).

-   R² and R⁸ may also form, together with the nitrogen atom to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which may contain     one or more further heteroatoms from the group of sulphur, oxygen     (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen     and/or at least one carbonyl group; R² and R⁸ may especially,     together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, be a     radical from the group of

-   -   (in which the arrow in each case marks the bond to the sulphur         atom in the radical (K)).

-   L is oxygen or sulphur.

-   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each independently an in each case optionally     halogen-substituted radical from the group of C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy,     C₂-C₆-alkynyloxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyloxy,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyloxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₂-C₆-alkenylthio, phenoxy, phenylthio, benzyloxy,     benzylthio, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkoxy     and heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkylthio.

-   R⁹ and R¹⁰ may also form, together with the phosphorus atom to which     they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which may contain     one or two heteroatoms from the group of oxygen (where oxygen atoms     must not be immediately adjacent) and sulphur; R⁹ and R¹⁰ may     especially, together with the phosphorus atom to which they are     bonded, be the radical

-   -   (in which the arrow marks the bond to the nitrogen atom in the         radical (G)).

-   R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently an in each case optionally     halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted radical from the group of C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, phenyl and phenyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl.

Particularly preferred substituents or ranges for the radicals shown in the compounds of the formula (I) are elucidated below.

-   A¹ is hydrogen, halogen or cyano, and A¹ is especially a radical     from the group of hydrogen, fluorine and chlorine. -   A² is hydrogen. -   G¹ is N or C-A¹, and G¹ is especially a radical from the group of N,     C—H, C—F and C—Cl. -   G² is a radical from the group of

-   -   in which the arrow marks the bond to the adjacent ring.

-   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl, and R¹ is especially hydrogen or     methyl.

-   B is hydrogen.

-   G³ is a radical from the group of

-   -   in which the arrow marks the bond to G² and the radicals (E)         and (L) can be combined with the heterocycles (A), (B), (C) and         (D), and the radical (I) with the heterocycle (A).

-   X is oxygen.

-   n is 2.

-   R² is a radical from the group of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and     C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally halogen-substituted     C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, optionally halogen-substituted     C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, optionally halogen-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl- and cyano-substituted     C₃-C₆-cycloalkylcarbonyl, or a cation, for example a mono- or     divalent metal ion or an optionally C₁-C₄-alkyl- or     aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-substituted ammonium ion; R² is especially a     radical from the group of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, CH₂OCH₃,     CH₂OCH₂CH₃, COCH₃, COCH₂CH₃, cyclopropyl, Na⁺, K⁺ and ⁺NMe₄.

-   R⁴ is a radical from the group of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, di-C₁-C₄-alkylamino and heteroaryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     and R⁴ is especially a radical from the group of methyl, ethyl,     isopropyl, CH₂CF₃, CH₂CF₂CH₃, cyclopropyl, dimethylamino, and     CH₂-(2-pyrimidyl).

-   R⁵ is a radical from the group of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, di-C₁-C₄-alkylamino and heteroaryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     and R⁵ is especially a radical from the group of methyl, ethyl,     isopropyl, CH₂CF₃, CH₂CF₂CH₃, cyclopropyl, dimethylamino, and     CH₂-(2-pyrimidyl).

-   R⁷ is a radical from the group of in each case optionally halogen-,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₄-alkylthio-,     C₁-C₄-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₄-alkylsulphinyl-,     C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₄-alkylsulphonyl- and     C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₄-alkenyl,     C₂-C₄-alkynyl, in each case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy-substituted     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl and     C₃-C₄-cycloalkenyl, in which the rings may contain at least one     heteroatom from the group of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms     must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen (and especially

-   -   where the arrow in each case marks the bond to the sulphur atom         in the radical (E)), in each case optionally halogen-, cyano-         (including in the alkyl moiety), nitro-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-,         C₁-C₄-haloalkyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-,         C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₄-alkylthio-, C₁-C₄-haloalkylthio-,         C₁-C₄-alkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulphinyl-,         C₁-C₄-alkylsulphonyl-, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulphonyl-, amino-,         C₁-C₄-alkylamino-, di(C₁-C₄-alkyl)amino-,         C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonylamino-, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonylamino-,         C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl-,         C₂-C₄-alkenyl-, C₂-C₄-alkynyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-,         C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl- or         aminocarbonyl-substituted aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl and         heteroaryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or NR′R″ in which R′ and R″ are each         independently a radical from the group of hydrogen and         C₁-C₄-alkyl, and R⁷ is especially a radical from the group of         methyl, ethyl, i-propyl, CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃, cyclopropyl,         dimethylamino, diethylamino, phenyl and benzyl.

In the preferred definitions, unless stated otherwise,

halogen is selected from the group of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, preferably in turn from the group of fluorine, chlorine and bromine,

aryl (including as part of a larger unit, for example arylalkyl) is selected from the group of phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, phenanthrenyl, and is preferably in turn phenyl,

hetaryl (including as part of a larger unit, for example hetarylalkyl) is selected from the group of furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, 1,2,3-triazinyl, 1,2,4-triazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, benzofuryl, benzisofuryl, benzothienyl, benzisothienyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, 2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl, benzotriazinyl, purinyl, pteridinyl and indolizinyl.

In the particularly preferred definitions, unless stated otherwise,

halogen is selected from the group of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, preferably in turn from the group of fluorine, chlorine and bromine,

aryl (including as part of a larger unit, for example arylalkyl) is selected from the group of phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, phenanthrenyl, and is preferably in turn phenyl,

hetaryl (including as part of a larger unit, for example hetarylalkyl) is selected from the group of pyrimidyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazinyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl and furanyl.

Halogen-substituted radicals, for example haloalkyl, are mono- or polyhalogenated, up to the maximum number of possible substituents. In the case of polyhalogenation, the halogen atoms may be identical or different. In this case, halogen is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, especially fluorine, chlorine or bromine.

Preference and particular preference is given to compounds which each bear the substituents specified as preferred and particularly preferred.

Saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals, such as alkyl or alkenyl, may in each case be straight-chain or branched as far as possible, including in combination with heteroatoms, as, for example, in alkoxy.

Optionally substituted radicals may be mono- or polysubstituted, where the substituents in the case of polysubstitution may be the same or different.

In the radicals (A), (B), (C) and (D) that G² can represent, the arrow in each case marks the bond to the adjacent ring.

The radical definitions or illustrations given above in general terms or within areas of preference apply to the end products and correspondingly to the starting materials and intermediates. These radical definitions can be combined with one another as desired, i.e. including combinations between the respective preferred ranges.

Preference is given in accordance with the invention to compounds of the formula (I) in which a combination of the definitions listed above as preferred is present.

Particular preference is given in accordance with the invention to compounds of the formula (I) in which a combination of the definitions listed above as particularly preferred is present.

In an emphasized group of inventive compounds, G² is the radical (A).

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G² is the radical (B).

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G² is the radical (C).

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G² is the radical (D).

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, X is oxygen.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, X is sulphur.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G¹ is C—H.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G¹ is C—F.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G¹ is nitrogen.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, A¹ is hydrogen.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, A² is hydrogen.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, n is 2.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, R¹ is hydrogen.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, R¹ is methyl.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, R¹ is fluorine.

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G³ is the radical (E).

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G³ is the radical (I).

In a further emphasized group of inventive compounds, G³ is the radical (L).

The preparation of inventive compounds of the formula (I) in which G² is the radical (A) and corresponding precursors are elucidated in the reaction schemes which follow.

where R¹³ is

Compounds of the formula (I_(E-G)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the heterocyclic carboxylic acids of the formula (II₁) or the corresponding acid chlorides with amine derivatives of the formula (III_(E-G)).

The acids of the formula (II₁) in which G² represents the radicals (A), (B) and (C), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared analogously to the methods described in WO 2009/149858.

The acids of the formula (II₁) in which G² is the radical (D), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared analogously to the methods described for G¹=CH and R¹=H in Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry 1981, 18, 9-14 and Journal of Organic Chemistry 2004, 69, 5578-5587.

The amine derivatives of the formula (III_(E-G)) required as starting materials are known or can be prepared by methods known in principle.

The acids of the formula (II₁) can be reacted, after activation, for example to give the acid chloride (see, for example, Bioorg & MedChem Letters 15, 4354 (2005)), or by means of activating reagents such as CDI (carbonyldiimidazole; see, for example, Bioorg & MedChem 9, 1543 (2001)), EDC (1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride) in the presence of DMAP (dimethylaminopyridine; see, for example, J. Med. Chem. 50, 3101 (2007)), or DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) in the presence of HOBT (1-hydroxybenzotriazole; see, for example, J. Med. Chem. 50, 3101 (2007)), with sulphonamides of the formula (III_(E)), optionally in the presence of a base such as a metal hydride (especially sodium hydride) or DBU (diazabicycloundecene), to give the inventive compounds of the formula (I_(E)) in which X is oxygen.

The further radicals mentioned for R¹³ can be prepared from the acids of the formula (II₁) or the acid chlorides thereof by means of literature methods, or analogously to these methods, for example with compounds of the formula (III_(F)) according to Chem. Letters 36, 1370 (2007) or J. Med. Chem. 29, 1299 (1986) to give the inventive compounds of the formula (I_(F)), and, for example, with compounds of the formula (III_(G)) according to J. Org. Chem. 72, 465 (2007) or Phosphorus & Sulfur 20, 93 (1984) to give the inventive compounds of the formula (I_(G)).

Compounds of the formula (I_(H)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the heterocyclic carboxamides of the formula (II_(H)) with sulphoxides of the formula (III_(H)) by means of literature methods or analogous methods; see, for example, WO 2008/154528.

The carboxamides of the formula (II_(H)) required as starting materials can be prepared from the acids (II₁) or the acid chlorides thereof by means of literature methods or analogous methods, for example as described in WO 2007/103755 or US 2009/203657.

Compounds of the formula (I_(I)) in which X is oxygen can be prepared, for example, by reacting the heterocyclic amines of the formula (II₂) with carboxylic acids of the formula (III₁) or acid chlorides thereof.

The heterocyclic amines of the formula (II₂) in which G² is the radical (A), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared, for example, analogously to the methods described in US 2006/14700, WO 2004/41813 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,291.

The heterocyclic amines of the formula (II₂) in which G² is the radical (C), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared, for example, analogously to the methods described in Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Let. 1211-1214 (2000), J. Chem. Res. 227-249 (1992) and Synth. Comm. 311-342 (1999).

The heterocyclic amines of the formula (II₂) in which G² is the radical (D), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared, for example, analogously to the methods described in J. Het. Chem. 9-14 (1981) and Eur. J. Org. Chem. 695-709 (2004).

The carboxylic acids of the formula (III_(I)) required as starting materials are known or can be prepared by methods known in principle.

The acids of the formula (III_(I)) can be converted to acid chlorides. Further reaction with amines of the formula (II₂) in a diluent, for example dichloromethane or tetrahydrofuran, and in the presence of a base, for example triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine, leads to inventive compounds of the formula (I_(I)) in which X is oxygen. The compounds of the formula (I_(I)) can also be prepared directly from the acids of the formula (III_(I)) by reaction with amines of the formula (II₂) in the presence of coupling agents, for example EDC (1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride), DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) or BoPCl (bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride).

Compounds of the formula (I_(J)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the heterocyclic amines of the formula (II₂) with sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (III_(J)) in the presence of a base, for example pyridine or sodium hydroxide; cf., for example, WO 2007/114532 and US 2006/211603.

The chlorosulphonyl or chlorosulphonyl derivatives of the formula (III_(J)) required as starting materials are known or can be prepared by methods known in principle.

Compounds of the formula (I_(K)) can be prepared, for example, by reacting the sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₃) with amines of the formula (III_(K)), optionally in the presence of a base, for example pyridine or triethylamine, analogously to the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,265,411, WO 2007/114532 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,817.

The heterocyclic sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₂) in which n is 2 and in which G² is the radical (A), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared, for example, analogously to the methods described in J. Het. Chem. 1017-1021 (1984), U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,542 and US 2004/186134.

The heterocyclic sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₂) in which n is 2 and in which G² is the radical (B), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared, for example, analogously to the methods described in J. Chem. Res. 768-769 (2003), Hetero. Com. 601-606 (2002), Eur. J. Med. Chem. 3340-3344 (2009), Heterocycles 2211-2224 (1983), Boll. Chim. Farma. 161-166 (2000).

The heterocyclic sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₂) in which n is 2 and in which G² is the radical (C), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared, for example, analogously to the methods described in J. Het. Chem. 1017-1021 (1984).

The heterocyclic sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₂) in which n is 2 and in which G² is the radical (D), which are required as starting materials, can be prepared, for example, analogously to the methods described in WO 2009/29439, U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,708, WO 2005/97162, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 6628-6639 (2006), Heterocycles 1967-1974 (2007), Tet. Lett. 4026-4028 (2008), Russ. Chem. Bull. 2581-2584 (1996).

The amines of the formula (III_(I)) required as starting materials are known or can be prepared by methods known in principle.

Compounds of the formula (I_(L)) in which X is oxygen can be prepared, for example, by reacting the sulphonyl chlorides of the formula (II₃) with amides of the formula (III_(L)) in the presence of a base, for example sodium hydride or n-butyllithium, analogously to the methods described in US2004/6143 or Org. Let. 3458-3461 (2009).

The amides of the formula (III_(I)) required as starting materials are known or can be prepared by methods known in principle.

Compounds of the formula (I_(E-H)), (I₁) and (I_(L)) in which X is sulphur can be prepared from the corresponding compounds of the formula (I_(E-H)), (I₁) and (I_(L)) in which X is oxygen by reaction with a thionating reagent. The sulphiding agents (thionating reagents) used are preferably phosphorus reagents, for example diphosphorus pentasulphide (P₂S₅), diphosphorus pentasulphide/pyridine (P₂S₅/Py), diphosphorus pentasulphide/triethylamine (P₂S₅/NEt₃), diphosphorus pentasulphide/sodium hydrogencarbonate (P₂S₅/NaHCO₃ “Scheeren's reagent”), or more preferably 2,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dithioxo-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane “Lawesson's reagent (LR)”, 2,4-bis(4-phenoxyphenyl)-2,4-dithioxo-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane “Belleau's reagent (BR)” or 2,4-bis(4-phenylthiophenyl)-2,4-dithioxo-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane.

N-Oxides can be obtained, for example, by reacting compounds of the formula (I) with mCPBA (meta-chloroperbenzoic acid). Salts of compounds of the formula (I) are obtainable by reacting compounds of the formula (I) with compounds of the formula RX in which X is, for example, halogen such as chlorine or bromine and R is, for example, an in each case optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl radical.

The inventive active ingredients, given good plant tolerance, favourable homeotherm toxicity and good environmental compatibility, are suitable for protecting plants and plant organs, for increasing harvest yields, for improving the quality of the harvested material and for controlling animal pests, especially insects, arachnids, helminths, nematodes and molluscs, which are encountered in agriculture, in horticulture, in animal husbandry, in forests, in gardens and leisure facilities, in the protection of stored products and of materials, and in the hygiene sector. They can preferably be used as crop protection compositions. They are active against normally sensitive and resistant species and against all or some stages of development. The abovementioned pests include:

From the order of the Anoplura (Phthiraptera), for example, Damalinia spp., Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp., Pediculus spp., Trichodectes spp.

From the class of the Arachnida, for example, Acarus siro, Aceria sheldoni, Aculops spp., Aculus spp., Amblyomma spp., Argas spp., Boophilus spp., Brevipalpus spp., Bryobia praetiosa, Chorioptes spp., Dermanyssus gallinae, Eotetranychus spp., Epitrimerus pyri, Eutetranychus spp., Eriophyes spp., Hemitarsonemus spp., Hyalomma spp., Ixodes spp., Latrodectus mactans, Metatetranychus spp., Oligonychus spp., Ornithodoros spp., Panonychus spp., Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Psoroptes spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Rhizoglyphus spp., Sarcoptes spp., Scorpio maurus, Stenotarsonemus spp., Tarsonemus spp., Tetranychus spp., Vasates lycopersici.

From the class of the Bivalva, for example, Dreissena spp.

From the order of the Chilopoda, for example, Geophilus spp., Scutigera spp.

From the order of the Coleoptera, for example, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Adoretus spp., Agelastica alni, Agriotes spp., Amphimallon solstitialis, Anobium punctatum, Anoplophora spp., Anthonomus spp., Anthrenus spp., Apogonia spp., Atomaria spp., Attagenus spp., Bruchidius obtectus, Bruchus spp., Ceuthorhynchus spp., Cleonus mendicus, Conoderus spp., Cosmopolites spp., Costelytra zealandica, Curculio spp., Cryptorhynchus lapathi, Dermestes spp., Diabrotica spp., Epilachna spp., Faustinus cubae, Gibbium psylloides, heteronychus arator, Hylamorpha elegans, Hylotrupes bajulus, Hypera postica, Hypothenemus spp., Lachnosterna consanguinea, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Lixus spp., Lyctus spp., Meligethes aeneus, Melolontha melolontha, Migdolus spp., Monochamus spp., Naupactus xanthographus, Niptus hololeucus, Oryctes rhinoceros, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Oxycetonia jucunda, Phaedon cochleariae, Phyllophaga spp., Popillia japonica, Premnotrypes spp., Psylliodes chrysocephala, Ptinus spp., Rhizobius ventralis, Rhizopertha dominica, Sitophilus spp., Sphenophorus spp., Sternechus spp., Symphyletes spp., Tenebrio molitor, Tribolium spp., Trogoderma spp., Tychius spp., Xylotrechus spp., Zabrus spp.

From the order of the Collembola, for example, Onychiurus armatus.

From the order of the Dermaptera, for example, Forficula auricularia.

From the order of the Diplopoda, for example, Blaniulus guttulatus.

From the order of the Diptera, for example, Aedes spp., Anopheles spp., Bibio hortulanus, Calliphora erythrocephala, Ceratitis capitata, Chrysomyia spp., Cochliomyia spp., Cordylobia anthropophaga, Culex spp., Cuterebra spp., Dacus oleae, Dermatobia hominis, Drosophila spp., Fannia spp., Gastrophilus spp., Hylemyia spp., Hyppobosca spp., Hypoderma spp., Liriomyza spp., Lucilia spp., Musca spp., Nezara spp., Oestrus spp., Oscinella frit, Pegomyia hyoscyami, Phorbia spp., Stomoxys spp., Tabanus spp., Tannia spp., Tipula paludosa, Wohlfahrtia spp.

From the class of the Gastropoda, for example, Arion spp., Biomphalaria spp., Bulinus spp., Deroceras spp., Galba spp., Lymnaea spp., Oncomelania spp., Succinea spp.

From the class of the helminths, for example, Ancylostoma duodenale, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Acylostoma braziliensis, Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris lubricoides, Ascaris spp., Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, Bunostomum spp., Chabertia spp., Clonorchis spp., Cooperia spp., Dicrocoelium spp., Dictyocaulus filaria, Diphyllobothrium latum, Dracunculus medinensis, Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, Enterobius vermicularis, Faciola spp., Haemonchus spp., Heterakis spp., Hymenolepis nana, Hyostrongulus spp., Loa Loa, Nematodirus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Opisthorchis spp., Onchocerca volvulus, Ostertagia spp., Paragonimus spp., Schistosomen spp., Strongyloides fuelleborni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Stronyloides spp., Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella nativa, Trichinella britovi, Trichinella nelsoni, Trichinella pseudopsiralis, Trichostrongulus spp., Trichuris trichuria, Wuchereria bancrofti.

It is also possible to control protozoa, such as Eimeria.

From the order of the Heteroptera, for example, Anasa tristis, Antestiopsis spp., Blissus spp., Calocoris spp., Campylomma livida, Cavelerius spp., Cimex spp., Creontiades dilutus, Dasynus piperis, Dichelops furcatus, Diconocoris hewetti, Dysdercus spp., Euschistus spp., Eurygaster spp., Heliopeltis spp., Horcias nobilellus, Leptocorisa spp., Leptoglossus phyllopus, Lygus spp., Macropes excavatus, Miridae, Nezara spp., Oebalus spp., Pentomidae, Piesma quadrata, Piezodorus spp., Psallus seriatus, Pseudacysta persea, Rhodnius spp., Sahlbergella singularis, Scotinophora spp., Stephanitis nashi, Tibraca spp., Triatoma spp.

From the order of the Homoptera, for example, Acyrthosipon spp., Aeneolamia spp., Agonoscena spp., Aleurodes spp., Aleurolobus barodensis, Aleurothrixus spp., Amrasca spp., Anuraphis cardui, Aonidiella spp., Aphanostigma piri, Aphis spp., Arboridia apicalis, Aspidiella spp., Aspidiotus spp., Atanus spp., Aulacorthum solani, Bemisia spp., Brachycaudus helichrysii, Brachycolus spp., Brevicoryne brassicae, Calligypona marginata, Carneocephala fulgida, Ceratovacuna lanigera, Cercopidae, Ceroplastes spp., Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, Chionaspis tegalensis, Chlorita onukii, Chromaphis juglandicola, Chrysomphalus ficus, Cicadulina mbila, Coccomytilus halli, Coccus spp., Cryptomyzus ribis, Dalbulus spp., Dialeurodes spp., Diaphorina spp., Diaspis spp., Doralis spp., Drosicha spp., Dysaphis spp., Dysmicoccus spp., Empoasca spp., Eriosoma spp., Erythroneura spp., Euscelis bilobatus, Geococcus coffeae, Homalodisca coagulata, Hyalopterus arundinis, Icerya spp., Idiocerus spp., Idioscopus spp., Laodelphax striatellus, Lecanium spp., Lepidosaphes spp., Lipaphis erysimi, Macrosiphum spp., Mahanarva fimbriolata, Melanaphis sacchari, Metcalfiella spp., Metopolophium dirhodum, Monellia costalis, Monelliopsis pecanis, Myzus spp., Nasonovia ribisnigri, Nephotettix spp., Nilaparvata lugens, Oncometopia spp., Orthezia praelonga, Parabemisia myricae, Paratrioza spp., Parlatoria spp., Pemphigus spp., Peregrinus maidis, Phenacoccus spp., Phloeomyzus passerinii, Phorodon humuli, Phylloxera spp., Pinnaspis aspidistrae, Planococcus spp., Protopulvinaria pyriformis, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, Pseudococcus spp., Psylla spp., Pteromalus spp., Pyrilla spp., Quadraspidiotus spp., Quesada gigas, Rastrococcus spp., Rhopalosiphum spp., Saissetia spp., Scaphoides titanus, Schizaphis graminum, Selenaspidus articulatus, Sogata spp., Sogatella furcifera, Sogatodes spp., Stictocephala festina, Tenalaphara malayensis, Tinocallis caryaefoliae, Tomaspis spp., Toxoptera spp., Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Trioza spp., Typhlocyba spp., Unaspis spp., Viteus vitifolii.

From the order of the Hymenoptera, for example, Diprion spp., Hoplocampa spp., Lasius spp., Monomorium pharaonis and Vespa spp.

From the order of the Isopoda, for example, Armadillidium vulgare, Oniscus asellus and Porcellio scaber.

From the order of the Isoptera, for example, Reticulitermes spp. and Odontotermes spp.

From the order of the Lepidoptera, for example, Acronicta major, Aedia leucomelas, Agrotis spp., Alabama argillacea, Anticarsia spp., Barathra brassicae, Bucculatrix thurberiella, Bupalus piniarius, Cacoecia podana, Capua reticulana, Carpocapsa pomonella, Chematobia brumata, Chilo spp., Choristoneura fumiferana, Clysia ambiguella, Cnaphalocerus spp., Earias insulana, Ephestia kuehniella, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Euxoa spp., Feltia spp., Galleria mellonella, Helicoverpa spp., Heliothis spp., Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Homona magnanima, Hyponomeuta padella, Laphygma spp., Lithocolletis blancardella, Lithophane antennata, Loxagrotis albicosta, Lymantria spp., Malacosoma neustria, Mamestra brassicae, Mocis repanda, Mythimna separata, Oria spp., Oulema oryzae, Panolis flammea, Pectinophora gossypiella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Pieris spp., Plutella xylostella, Prodenia spp., Pseudaletia spp., Pseudoplusia includens, Pyrausta nubilalis, Spodoptera spp., Thermesia gemmatalis, Tinea pellionella, Tineola bisselliella, Tortrix viridana, Trichoplusia spp.

From the order of the Orthoptera, for example, Acheta domesticus, Blatta orientalis, Blattella germanica, Gryllotalpa spp., Leucophaea maderae, Locusta spp., Melanoplus spp., Periplaneta americana, Schistocerca gregaria.

From the order of the Siphonaptera, for example, Ceratophyllus spp. and Xenopsylla cheopis.

From the order of the Symphyla, for example, Scutigerella immaculata.

From the order of the Thysanoptera, for example, Baliothrips biformis, Enneothrips flavens, Frankliniella spp., Heliothrips spp., Hercinothrips femoralis, Kakothrips spp., Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus, Scirtothrips spp., Taeniothrips cardamoni and Thrips spp.

From the order of the Thysanura, for example, Lepisma saccharina.

The phytoparasitic nematodes include, for example, Anguina spp., Aphelenchoides spp., Belonoaimus spp., Bursaphelenchus spp., Ditylenchus dipsaci, Globodera spp., Heliocotylenchus spp., Heterodera spp., Longidorus spp., Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp., Radopholus similis, Rotylenchus spp., Trichodorus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., Tylenchulus spp., Tylenchulus semipenetrans and Xiphinema spp.

The inventive compounds can, at certain concentrations or application rates, also be used as herbicides, safeners, growth regulators or agents to improve plant properties, or as microbicides, for example as fungicides, antimycotics, bactericides, viricides (including agents against viroids) or as agents against MLO (mycoplasma-like organisms) and RLO (rickettsia-like organisms). They can also be used as intermediates or precursors for the synthesis of further active ingredients.

The active ingredients can be converted to the customary formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, wettable powders, water- and oil-based suspensions, powders, dusts, pastes, soluble powders, soluble granules, granules for broadcasting, suspoemulsion concentrates, natural substances impregnated with active ingredient, synthetic substances impregnated with active ingredient, fertilizers, and microencapsulations in polymeric substances.

These formulations are produced in a known manner, for example by mixing the active ingredients with extenders, i.e. liquid solvents, and/or solid carriers, optionally with the use of surfactants, i.e. emulsifiers and/or dispersants, and/or foam formers. The formulations are produced either in suitable plants or else before or during application.

The auxiliaries used may be those substances which are suitable for imparting particular properties to the composition itself and/or to preparations derived therefrom (for example spray liquors, seed dressings), such as certain technical properties and/or also particular biological properties. Typical auxiliaries include: extenders, solvents and carriers.

Suitable extenders are, for example, water, polar and nonpolar organic chemical liquids, for example from the classes of the aromatic and nonaromatic hydrocarbons (such as paraffins, alkylbenzenes, alkylnaphthalenes, chlorobenzenes), the alcohols and polyols (which may optionally also be substituted, etherified and/or esterified), the ketones (such as acetone, cyclohexanone), esters (including fats and oils) and (poly)ethers, the unsubstituted and substituted amines, amides, lactams (such as N-alkylpyrrolidones) and lactones, the sulphones and sulphoxides (such as dimethyl sulphoxide).

If the extender utilized is water, it is also possible to use, for example, organic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Useful liquid solvents essentially include: aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatics and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example petroleum fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols such as butanol or glycol and also their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethyl sulphoxide, and water.

Useful Solid Carriers Include:

for example ammonium salts and natural rock flours, such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and synthetic rock flours, such as finely divided silica, alumina and silicates; useful solid carriers for granules include: for example, crushed and fractionated natural rocks such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite and dolomite, and also synthetic granules of inorganic and organic flours, and granules of organic material such as paper, saw-dust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks; useful emulsifiers and/or foam-formers include: for example nonionic and anionic emulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates and also protein hydrolysates; suitable dispersants are nonionic and/or ionic substances, for example from the classes of the alcohol-POE and/or -POP ethers, acid and/or POP POE esters, alkylaryl and/or POP POE ethers, fat and/or POP POE adducts, POE- and/or POP-polyol derivatives, POE- and/or POP-sorbitan or -sugar adducts, alkyl or aryl sulphates, alkyl- or arylsulphonates and alkyl or aryl phosphates or the corresponding PO-ether adducts. Additionally suitable are oligo- or polymers, for example those derived from vinylic monomers, from acrylic acid, from EO and/or PO alone or in combination with, for example, (poly)alcohols or (poly)amines. It is also possible to use lignin and its sulphonic acid derivatives, unmodified and modified celluloses, aromatic and/or aliphatic sulphonic acids and also their adducts with formaldehyde.

In the formulations it is possible to use tackifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules or lattices, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate, or else natural phospholipids such as cephalins and lecithins and synthetic phospholipids.

It is possible to use dyes such as inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyes such as alizarin dyes, azo dyes and metal phthalocyanine dyes, and trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

Further additives may be perfumes, mineral or vegetable, optionally modified oils, waxes and nutrients (including trace nutrients), such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

Additional components may be stabilizers, such as cold stabilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, light stabilizers, or other agents which improve chemical and/or physical stability.

If appropriate, the formulations and the use forms derived therefrom may also comprise further auxiliaries. Examples of such additives include protective colloids, binders, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropic agents, penetrants, retention promoters, sequestrants, complexing agents, humectants, spreaders. In general, the active ingredients can be combined with any solid or liquid additive commonly used for formulation purposes.

Useful retention promoters include all those substances which reduce the dynamic surface tension, for example dioctyl sulphosuccinate, or increase the viscoelasticity, for example hydroxypropyl-guar polymers.

Useful penetrants in the present context are all those substances which are typically used to improve the penetration of active agrochemical ingredients into plants. In this context, penetrants are defined by their ability to penetrate from the (generally aqueous) application liquor and/or from the spray coating into the cuticle of the plant and thereby to increase the mobility of the active ingredients in the cuticle. The method described in the literature (Baur et al., 1997, Pesticide Science 51, 131-152) can be used to determine this property. Examples include alcohol alkoxylates such as coconut fatty ethoxylate (10) or isotridecyl ethoxylate (12), fatty acid esters, for example rapeseed oil methyl ester or soya oil methyl ester, fatty amine alkoxylates, for example tallowamine ethoxylate (15), or ammonium and/or phosphonium salts, for example ammonium sulphate or diammonium hydrogenphosphate.

The formulations contain generally between 0.01 and 98% by weight of active ingredient, preferably between 0.5 and 90%.

The inventive active ingredient may be present in its commercially available formulations and in the use forms, prepared from these formulations, as a mixture with other active ingredients, such as insecticides, attractants, sterilants, bactericides, acaricides, nematicides, fungicides, growth regulators, herbicides, safeners, fertilizers or semiochemicals.

A mixture with other known active ingredients, such as herbicides, fertilizers, growth regulators, safeners, semiochemicals, or else with agents for improving the plant properties, is also possible.

When used as insecticides, the inventive active ingredients may also be present in their commercially available formulations and in the use forms, prepared from these formulations, as a mixture with synergists. Synergists are compounds which enhance the action of the active ingredients, without any need for the synergist added to be active itself.

When used as insecticides, the inventive active ingredients may also be present in their commercially available formulations and in the use forms, prepared from these formulations, as a mixture with inhibitors which reduce degradation of the active ingredient after use in the environment of the plant, on the surface of parts of plants or in plant tissues.

The active ingredient content of the use forms prepared from the commercially available formulations may vary within wide limits. The active ingredient concentration of the application forms may be from 0.00000001 to 95% by weight of active ingredient, preferably between 0.00001 and 1% by weight.

The compounds are applied in a customary manner appropriate for the use forms.

All plants and plant parts can be treated in accordance with the invention. Plants are understood here to mean all plants and plant populations, such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants (including naturally occurring crop plants). Crop plants may be plants which can be obtained by conventional breeding and optimization methods or by biotechnological and genetic engineering methods or combinations of these methods, including the transgenic plants and including the plant varieties which are protectable and non-protectable by plant breeders' rights. Parts of plants shall be understood to mean all above-ground and below-ground parts and organs of plants, such as shoot, leaf, flower and root, examples including leaves, needles, stems, trunks, flowers, fruit bodies, fruits and seeds, and also roots, tubers and rhizomes. The plant parts also include harvested material and vegetative and generative propagation material, for example cuttings, tubers, rhizomes, slips and seeds.

The inventive treatment of the plants and plant parts with the active ingredients is effected directly or by allowing them to act on the surroundings, habitat or storage space thereof by the customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying, evaporating, fogging, scattering, painting on, injecting, and, in the case of propagation material, especially in the case of seeds, also by applying one or more coats.

As already mentioned above, it is possible to treat all plants and their parts in accordance with the invention. In a preferred embodiment, wild plant species and plant cultivars, or those obtained by conventional biological breeding methods, such as crossing or protoplast fusion, and also parts thereof, are treated. In a further preferred embodiment, transgenic plants and plant cultivars obtained by genetic engineering, if appropriate in combination with conventional methods (Genetically Modified Organisms), and parts thereof are treated. The terms “parts” or “parts of plants” or “plant parts” have been explained above.

More preferably, plants of the plant cultivars which are each commercially available or in use are treated in accordance with the invention. Plant cultivars are understood to mean plants having new properties (“traits”) and which have been obtained by conventional breeding, by mutagenesis or by recombinant DNA techniques. They may be cultivars, biotypes and genotypes.

Depending on the plant species or plant cultivars, and the location and growth conditions (soils, climate, vegetation period, diet) thereof, the inventive treatment may also result in superadditive (“synergistic”) effects. For example, possibilities include reduced application rates and/or broadening of the activity spectrum and/or an increase in the activity of the compounds and compositions usable in accordance with the invention, better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to levels of water or soil salinity, enhanced flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated ripening, higher yields, higher quality and/or higher nutritional value of the harvested products, increased storage life and/or processability of the harvested products, which exceed the effects normally to be expected.

The transgenic plants or plant cultivars (those obtained by genetic engineering) which are to be treated with preference in accordance with the invention include all plants which, through the genetic modification, received genetic material which imparts particular advantageous useful properties (“traits”) to these plants. Examples of such properties are better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to levels of water or soil salinity, enhanced flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated ripening, higher yields, higher quality and/or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storage life and/or processability of the harvested products. Further and particularly emphasized examples of such properties are an improved defense of the plants against animal and microbial pests, such as against insects, mites, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and/or viruses, and also increased tolerance of the plants to certain herbicidally active ingredients. Examples of transgenic plants include the important crop plants, such as cereals (wheat, rice), maize, soya, potatoes, sugar beet, tomatoes, peas and other vegetable types, cotton, tobacco, oilseed rape, and also fruit plants (with the fruits of apples, pears, citrus fruits and grapes), particular emphasis being given to maize, soya, potatoes, cotton, tobacco and oilseed rape. Traits that are particularly emphasized are improved defense of the plants against insects, arachnids, nematodes, slugs and snails by toxins formed in the plants, especially those formed in the plants by the genetic material from Bacillus thuringiensis (for example by the genes CryIA(a), CryIA(b), CryIA(c), CryIIA, CryIIIA, CryIIIB2, Cry9c, Cry2Ab, Cry3Bb and CryIF, and also combinations thereof) (referred to hereinafter as “Bt plants”). Traits that are also particularly emphasized are the improved defense of plants against fungi, bacteria and viruses by systemic acquired resistance (SAR), systemin, phytoalexins, elicitors and also resistance genes and correspondingly expressed proteins and toxins. Traits that are additionally particularly emphasized are the increased tolerance of the plants to certain active herbicidal ingredients, for example imidazolinones, sulphonylureas, glyphosate or phosphinothricin (for example the “PAT” gene). The genes which impart the desired traits in question may also be present in combinations with one another in the transgenic plants. Examples of “Bt plants” include maize varieties, cotton varieties, soya varieties and potato varieties which are sold under the trade names YIELD GARD® (for example maize, cotton, soya), KnockOut® (for example maize), StarLink® (for example maize), Bollgard® (cotton), Nucotn® (cotton) and NewLeaf® (potato). Examples of herbicide-tolerant plants include maize varieties, cotton varieties and soya varieties which are sold under the trade names Roundup Ready® (tolerance to glyphosate, for example maize, cotton, soya), Liberty Link® (tolerance to phosphinothricin, for example oilseed rape), IMI® (tolerance to imidazolinones) and STS® (tolerance to sulphonylureas, for example maize). Herbicide-resistant plants (plants bred in a conventional manner for herbicide tolerance) which may be mentioned include the varieties sold under the name Clearfield® (for example maize). Of course, these statements also apply to plant cultivars which have these genetic traits or genetic traits which are still to be developed and will be developed and/or marketed in the future.

The plants listed can be treated in accordance with the invention in a particularly advantageous manner with the compounds of the general formula (I) and/or the active ingredient mixtures according to the invention. The preferred ranges stated above for the active ingredients or mixtures also apply to the treatment of these plants. Particular emphasis is given to the treatment of plants with the compounds or mixtures specifically mentioned in the present text.

The inventive active ingredients act not only against plant, hygiene and stored product pests, but also in the veterinary medicine sector against animal parasites (ecto- and endoparasites), such as hard ticks, soft ticks, mange mites, leaf mites, flies (biting and licking), parasitic fly larvae, lice, hair lice, feather lice and fleas. These parasites include:

From the order of the Anoplurida, for example, Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp., Pediculus spp., Phtirus spp. and Solenopotes spp.

From the order of the Mallophagida and the suborders Amblycerina and Ischnocerina, for example, Trimenopon spp., Menopon spp., Trinoton spp., Bovicola spp., Werneckiella spp., Lepikentron spp., Damalina spp., Trichodectes spp. and Felicola spp.

From the order of the Diptera and the suborders Nematocerina and Brachycerina, for example, Aedes spp., Anopheles spp., Culex spp., Simulium spp., Eusimulium spp., Phlebotomus spp., Lutzomyia spp., Culicoides spp., Chrysops spp., Hybomitra spp., Atylotus spp., Tabanus spp., Haematopota spp., Philipomyia spp., Braula spp., Musca spp., Hydrotaea spp., Stomoxys spp., Haematobia spp., Morellia spp., Fannia spp., Glossina spp., Calliphora spp., Lucilia spp., Chrysomyia spp., Wohlfahrtia spp., Sarcophaga spp., Oestrus spp., Hypoderma spp., Gasterophilus spp., Hippobosca spp., Lipoptena spp. and Melophagus spp.

From the order of the Siphonapterida, for example, Pulex spp., Ctenocephalides spp. (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis), Xenopsylla spp. and Ceratophyllus spp.

From the order of the Heteropterida, for example, Cimex spp., Triatoma spp., Rhodnius spp. and Panstrongylus spp.

From the order of the Blattarida, for example, Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana, Blattella germanica and Supella spp.

From the subclass of the Acari (Acarina) and the orders of the Meta- and Mesostigmata, for example, Argas spp., Ornithodorus spp., Otobius spp., Ixodes spp., Amblyomma spp., Boophilus spp., Dermacentor spp., Haemophysalis spp., Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Dermanyssus spp., Raillietia spp., Pneumonyssus spp., Sternostoma spp. and Varroa spp.

From the order of the Actinedida (Prostigmata) and Acaridida (Astigmata), for example, Acarapis spp., Cheyletiella spp., Ornithocheyletia spp., Myobia spp., Psorergates spp., Demodex spp., Trombicula spp., Listrophorus spp., Acarus spp., Tyrophagus spp., Caloglyphus spp., Hypodectes spp., Pterolichus spp., Psoroptes spp., Chorioptes spp., Otodectes spp., Sarcoptes spp., Notoedres spp., Knemidocoptes spp., Cytodites spp. and Laminosioptes spp.

The inventive active ingredients of the formula (I) are also suitable for controlling arthropods which attack agricultural livestock, for example cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, donkeys, camels, buffaloes, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, honey-bees, other domestic animals such as, for example, dogs, cats, caged birds, aquarium fish, and experimental animals, for example hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice. The control of these arthropods is intended to reduce cases of death and reduced productivity (of meat, milk, wool, hides, eggs, honey etc.), and so more economic and easier animal husbandry is possible by use of the inventive active ingredients.

The inventive active ingredients are used in the veterinary sector and in animal husbandry in a known manner, by enteral administration in the form of, for example, tablets, capsules, potions, drenches, granules, pastes, boluses, the feed-through process and suppositories, by parenteral administration, such as, for example, by injection (intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal and the like), implants, by nasal administration, by dermal use in the form, for example, of dipping or bathing, spraying, pouring on and spotting on, washing and powdering, and also with the aid of moulded articles containing the active ingredient, such as collars, ear marks, tail marks, limb bands, halters, marking devices and the like.

When used for livestock, poultry, domestic animals and the like, the active ingredients of the formula (I) can be used as formulations (for example powders, emulsions, flowables) comprising the active ingredients in an amount of 1 to 80% by weight, either directly or after 100 to 10 000-fold dilution, or they may be used as a chemical bath.

It has also been found that the inventive compounds have strong insecticidal action against insects which destroy industrial materials.

Preferred but nonlimiting examples include the following insects:

beetles, such as Hylotrupes bajulus, Chlorophorus pilosis, Anobium punctatum, Xestobium rufovillosum, Ptilinus pecticornis, Dendrobium pertinex, Ernobius mollis, Priobium carpini, Lyctus brunneus, Lyctus africanus, Lyctus planicollis, Lyctus linearis, Lyctus pubescens, Trogoxylon aequale, Minthes rugicollis, Xyleborus spec., Tryptodendron spec., Apate monachus, Bostrychus capucins, Heterobostrychus brunneus, Sinoxylon spec., Dinoderus minutus;

dermapterans, such as Sirex juvencus, Urocerus gigas, Urocerus gigas taignus, Urocerus augur;

termites, such as Kalotermes flavicollis, Cryptotermes brevis, Heterotermes indicola, Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes santonensis, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Mastotermes darwiniensis, Zootermopsis nevadensis, Coptotermes formosanus;

bristletails, such as Lepisma saccarina.

Industrial materials in the present connection are understood to mean inanimate materials, such as preferably plastics, adhesives, sizes, papers and cards, leather, wood, processed wood products and coating compositions.

The ready-to-use compositions may optionally also comprise other insecticides, and optionally one or more fungicides.

With respect to possible additional mixing partners, reference is made to the insecticides and fungicides mentioned above.

At the same time, the inventive compounds can be employed for protection of objects which come into contact with saltwater or brackish water, especially hulls, screens, nets, buildings, moorings and signalling systems, against fouling.

In addition, the inventive compounds can be used as antifouling compositions, alone or in combinations with other active ingredients.

The active ingredients are also suitable for controlling animal pests in the domestic sector, in the hygiene sector and in the protection of stored products, especially insects, arachnids and mites, which are found in enclosed spaces, for example homes, factory halls, offices, vehicle cabins and the like. They can be used to control these pests alone or in combination with other active ingredients and auxiliaries in domestic insecticide products. They are effective against sensitive and resistant species, and against all developmental stages. These pests include:

From the order of the Scorpionidea, for example, Buthus occitanus.

From the order of the Acarina, for example, Argas persicus, Argas reflexus, Bryobia spp., Dermanyssus gallinae, Glyciphagus domesticus, Ornithodorus moubat, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Trombicula alfreddugesi, Neutrombicula autumnalis, Dermatophagoides pteronissimus, Dermatophagoides forinae.

From the order of the Araneae, for example, Aviculariidae, Araneidae.

From the order of the Opiliones, for example, Pseudoscorpiones chelifer, Pseudoscorpiones cheiridium, Opiliones phalangium.

From the order of the Isopoda, for example, Oniscus asellus, Porcellio scaber.

From the order of the Diplopoda, for example, Blaniulus guttulatus, Polydesmus spp.

From the order of the Chilopoda, for example, Geophilus spp.

From the order of the Zygentoma, for example, Ctenolepisma spp., Lepisma saccharina, Lepismodes inquilinus.

From the order of the Blattaria, for example, Blatta orientalies, Blattella germanica, Blattella asahinai, Leucophaea maderae, Panchlora spp., Parcoblatta spp., Periplaneta australasiae, Periplaneta americana, Periplaneta brunnea, Periplaneta fuliginosa, Supella longipalpa.

From the order of the Saltatoria, for example, Acheta domesticus.

From the order of the Dermaptera, for example, Forficula auricularia.

From the order of the Isoptera, for example, Kalotermes spp., Reticulitermes spp.

From the order of the Psocoptera, for example, Lepinatus spp., Liposcelis spp.

From the order of the Coleoptera, for example, Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp., Dermestes spp., Latheticus oryzae, Necrobia spp., Ptinus spp., Rhizopertha dominica, Sitophilus granarius, Sitophilus oryzae, Sitophilus zeamais, Stegobium paniceum.

From the order of the Diptera, for example, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes taeniorhynchus, Anopheles spp., Calliphora erythrocephala, Chrysozona pluvialis, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, Drosophila spp., Fannia canicularis, Musca domestica, Phlebotomus spp., Sarcophaga carnaria, Simulium spp., Stomoxys calcitrans, Tipula paludosa.

From the order of the Lepidoptera, for example, Achroia grisella, Galleria mellonella, Plodia interpunctella, Tinea cloacella, Tinea pellionella, Tineola bisselliella.

From the order of the Siphonaptera, for example, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, Tunga penetrans, Xenopsylla cheopis.

From the order of the Hymenoptera, for example, Camponotus herculeanus, Lasius fuliginosus, Lasius niger, Lasius umbratus, Monomorium pharaonis, Paravespula spp., Tetramorium caespitum.

From the order of the Anoplura, for example, Pediculus humanus capitis, Pediculus humanus corporis, Pemphigus spp., Phylloera vastatrix, Phthirus pubis.

From the order of the Heteroptera, for example, Cimex hemipterus, Cimex lectularius, Rhodinus prolixus, Triatoma infestans.

In the field of domestic insecticides, they are used alone or in combination with other suitable active ingredients, such as phosphoric esters, carbamates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, growth regulators or active ingredients from other known classes of insecticides.

They are employed in aerosols, unpressurized spray products, for example pump and atomizer sprays, automatic fogging systems, foggers, foams, gels, evaporator products with evaporator tablets made of cellulose or plastic, liquid evaporators, gel and membrane evaporators, propeller-driven evaporators, energy-free or passive evaporation systems, moth papers, moth bags and moth gels, as granules or dusts, in baits for spreading or in bait stations.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES Example A 3,3,3-Trifluoro-N-[4-methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-5-yl]propanamide Stage 1: 4-Methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3-thiazole-5-amine

10.1 g (45.6 mmol) of 3-(4-methyl-5-nitro-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)pyridine (for preparation see DE 2221647) were dissolved in 100 ml of 10% hydrochloric acid together with 10 ml of conc. hydrochloric acid, and 25 g of tin(II) chloride dissolved in 10% hydrochloric acid were added in portions, and the mixture was stirred for 1 h (hour), in the course of which heating occurred. The mixture was poured into ice/sodium hydroxide solution, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl acetate and saturated sodium chloride solution were added, the mixture was extracted 4 times at pH=10 with ethyl acetate, the combined organic phases were dried with MgSO₄ and the mixture was concentrated. The residue was recrystallized from benzotrifluoride.

Yield 7.27 g (79% of theory).

¹H NMR (D₆-DMSO): 2.2 (s, 3H), 5.4 (s, 2H), 7.45 (dd, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 8.55 (m, 1H), 8.85 (s, 1H)

Stage 2: 3,3,3-Trifluoro-N-[4-methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-5-yl]propanamide

286 mg (1.49 mmol) of 4-methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3-thiazole-5-amine were dissolved in THF, 0.52 ml of triethylamine was added, and 263 mg of trifluoropropionyl chloride were added while cooling with an ice bath. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and then concentrated. Ethyl acetate, saturated sodium chloride solution and aqueous phosphate buffer pH=7 were added to the residue, the aqueous phase was extracted twice with ethyl acetate, and the combined organic phases were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane, acetone).

Yield: 308 mg (68% of theory), log P(HCOOH) 1.47

¹H NMR (CD₃CN): 2.4 (s, 3H), 3.45 (q, 2H), 7.4 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.55 (m, 1H), 8.9 (br, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H)

Example B N-[4-Methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-5-yl]-2-(pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

250 mg (1.81 mmol) of 2-pyrimidylacetic acid, 3.04 g (23.5 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine and 254.5 mg (2.17 mmol) of Bop chloride were stirred in 5 ml of acetonitrile at room temp. for 20 min, then 553 mg (2.17 mmol) of the aminothiazole were added and the mixture was stirred for a further 12 h.

For workup, the reaction mixture was concentrated down to 2-3 ml and purified by means of column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: dichloromethane).

Yield: 10 mg (2% of theory), log P¹) (HCOOH) 0.74

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 2.45 (s, 3H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 7.35-9.05 (m, 7H) ppm.

112.8 mg (0.55 mmol) of pyridyl-3-boronic ester, 120.4 mg (0.50 mmol) of the chlorothiazole and 18.3 mg (0.02 mmol) of 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenepalladium(II) chloride were initially charged in 10 ml of dimethoxyethane under argon, 0.75 ml of 2 M potassium carbonate solution was added and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h.

For workup, the mixture was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate, and the organic phase was dried, concentrated and purified by means of column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: dichloromethane).

Yield: 60 mg (40% of theory), log P¹) (HCOOH) 1.86

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 2.67 (s, 3H), 2.81 (s, 6H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 8.32 (m, 1H), 8.72 (m, 1H), 9.05 (m, 1H) ppm.

Example D N-(Dimethylsulphamoyl)-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide Stage 1: Ethyl 1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate

0.412 ml (4.28 mmol) of 3-bromopyridine was dissolved in 2 ml of dimethylformamide. Subsequently, 1.035 g (7.49 mmol) of potassium carbonate, 0.034 g (0.017 mmol) of copper iodide, 0.081 g (0.71 mmol) of trans-N,N′-dimethyl-1,2-cyclohexanediamine and 0.500 g (5.371 mmol) of ethyl pyrazole-4-carboxylate were added. The mixture was heated to 110° C. for 24 h and then cooled to room temperature. Water was added and the precipitate formed was filtered off.

Yield: 600 mg (77% of theory), log P¹⁾ (HCOOH) 1.55

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 1.31 (t, 3H), 4.29 (q, 2H), 7.57-7.60 (m, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.31-8.34 (m, 1H), 8.61 (bs, 1H), 9.19 (bs, 2H) ppm.

Stage 2: 1-(Pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid

9.10 g (41.8 mmol) of ethyl 1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate were dissolved in 170 ml of dioxane, and 17 ml of water and 8.94 g of a 45% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 5 h. The solution was cooled to room temperature and dioxane was removed under reduced pressure. A little cold water was added to the residue. The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH 3 with conc. HCl and the precipitate formed was filtered off.

Yield: 7.54 g (95% of theory), log P¹⁾ (HCOOH) 0.50

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 7.55 (m, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 8.28 (m, 1H), 8.57 (m, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 9.13 (m, 1H) ppm.

Stage 3: N-(Dimethylsulphamoyl)-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide

0.250 g (1.32 mmol) of 1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid was initially charged in 5 ml of tetrahydrofuran, and 0.43 ml (1.98 mmol) of N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole was added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 1 h. 0.246 g (1.98 mmol) of N,N-dimethylsulphonamide was dissolved in 3 ml of tetrahydrofuran and added dropwise at room temperature to the first solution. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min. After addition of 0.30 ml (1.98 mmol) of 1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator and water was added to the residue. The aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was discarded and the aqueous phase was acidified with concentrated HCl. The precipitate formed was filtered off with suction.

Yield: 0.120 g (30% of theory), log P¹⁾ (HCOOH) 1.03

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 2.89 (s, 6H), 7.58-7.62 (m, 1H), 8.24-8.27 (m, 1H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 8.60-8.62 (m, 1H), 9.10-9.11 (m, 1H), 9.22 (s, 1H) ppm.

Example E 1,1-Difluoro-N-[1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methanesulphonamide Stage 1: 3-(4-Nitro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine

A flask which had been baked out and filled with argon was initially charged with 8.3 g (56.6 mmol) of copper oxide, 31.9 g (228 mmol) of salicylaldoxime, 200 g (1.71 mol) of 4-nitro-1H-pyrazole and 597 g (1.83 mol) of caesium carbonate. The flask was repeatedly evacuated and filled with argon. 218 g (800 mmol) of 3-bromopyridine and 1 l of DMF which had been degassed on a rotary evaporator were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 130° C. overnight, cooled and filtered, and the DMF was removed on a rotary evaporator. The substance was dissolved in 1 l of ethyl acetate, and extracted with 2 l of H₂O. The water phase was extracted twice with 500 ml of ethyl acetate. Filtration of the aqueous phase gave a green solid. 1 l of ethyl acetate and 100 ml of DMF were added thereto, and the mixture was heated to 50° C. Cooling was followed by filtration through Hyflo and washing with 500 ml of ethyl acetate. The filtrate was washed with 300 ml of water and 300 ml of saturated NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The solid was suspended in 100 ml of ethyl acetate, filtered and washed with ethyl acetate and methyl tert-butyl ether, and the beige solid (45 g) was dried on a rotary evaporator.

The combined organic phases were washed twice with 500 ml of NaHCO₃ solution (5%), with 500 ml of water and with 300 ml of sat. NaCl solution. The organic phase was then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to a thick slurry. 500 ml of ethyl acetate, 630 ml of hydrochloric acid (2 M) and 500 ml of water were added thereto. After filtration, the aqueous phase was washed twice with 250 ml of ethyl acetate, adjusted to pH 10-11 with 1 M sodium hydroxide solution and left to stand overnight. The solid was filtered off, washed to neutrality with water and coevaporated twice with dioxane on a rotary evaporator. A brown solid was obtained (59 g).

Yield: 104 g (40% of theory)

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 7.65 (m, 1H), 8.38 (m, 1H), 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.66 (m, 1H), 9.20 (s, 1H), 9.79 (s, 1H) ppm.

Stage 2: 1-(Pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-amine

98.9 g (520 mmol) of 3-(4-nitro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine were dissolved in 1.3 l of warm dioxane, and twice evacuated and filled with argon. 500 ml of ammonia in methanol (˜7 mol/l) were added and the mixture was again twice evacuated and filled with argon. 27.5 g of Raney nickel (water-moist slurry) were added and the mixture was twice evacuated and filled with argon, and three times more evacuated and filled with hydrogen. The suspension was stirred under a hydrogen balloon overnight. A further 32 g of Raney nickel were added and the mixture was stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere for a further 24 hours. The hydrogen atmosphere was exchanged for argon, and the reaction mixture was filtered through Hyflo and washed with 500 ml of dioxane. The filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator and dried under HV (high vacuum). The brown oil obtained crystallized in a refrigerator. The crude product was dissolved in 750 ml of ethyl acetate, 20 g of activated carbon were added and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 30 minutes. After filtration, activated carbon was added again and the mixture was again stirred at 50° C. for 30 minutes. Filtration through Hyflo was followed by concentration to approx. 250 g. 350 ml of diisopropyl ether were added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature. The solid was filtered off and washed with diisopropyl ether and heptane. Drying on a rotary evaporator gave a beige solid.

Yield: 54.7 g (66% of theory)

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 4.24 (s, 2H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.79 (m, 1H), 8.06 (m, 1H), 8.40 (m, 1H), 8.96 ppm (s, 1H) ppm.

Stage 3: 1,1-Difluoro-N-[1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methanesulphonamide

250 mg (1.56 mmol) of 1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-amine were initially charged in 4 ml of dichloromethane, 343 μl (3.12 mmol) of N-methylmorpholine were added and the mixture was cooled to −78° C. Then 235 mg (1.56 mmol) of difluoromethanesulphonyl chloride were added and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Then a further 235 mg (1.56 mmol) of difluoromethanesulphonyl chloride were added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered though silica gel and then washed with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. After checking by TLC, the ethyl acetate phase was concentrated and purified by means of chromatography on silica gel.

Yield: 124 mg (29% of theory), log P¹⁾ (HCOOH) 1.01

¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO): 7.14 (t, 1H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 8.23 (m, 1H), 8.54 (m, 1H), 8.59 (s, 1H), 9.09 (m, 1H), 10.78 (br. s, 1H) ppm.

Compound logP¹⁾ number Structures (HCOOH) NMR data 1 (Example A)

1.47 ¹H NMR(CD₃CN): 2.4(s, 3H), 3.45(q, 2H), 7.4(dd, 1H), 8.15(d, 1H), 8.55(m, 1H), 8.9(br, 1H), 9.05(s, 1H) ppm 2 (Example B)

0.74 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 2.45(s, 3H), 4.14(s, 2H), 7.35-9.05(m, 7H) ppm 3 (Example C)

1.86 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 2.67(s, 3H), 2.81(s, 6H), 7.55(m, 1H), 8.32(m, 1H), 8.72(m, 1H), 9.05(m, 1H) ppm. 4 (Example D)

1.03 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 2.89(s, 6H), 7.58- 7.62(m, 1H), 8.24-8.27(m, 1H), 8.38(s, 1H), 8.60-8.62(m, 1H), 9.10-9.11(m, 1H), 9.22(s, 1H) ppm 5 (Example E)

1.01 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 7.14(t, 1H), 7.54(m, 1H), 7.74(s, 1H), 8.23(m, 1H), 8.54(m, 1H), 8.59(s, 1H), 9.09(m, 1H), 10.78 (br. s, 1H) ppm  6

1.71 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 2.34(s, 3H), 7.57- 7.72(m, 4H), 7.98-8.00(m, 2H), 8.13- 8.17(m, 1H), 8.56-8.58(m, 1H), 9.00- 9.01(m, 1H), 9.14(s, 1H), 12.1(s, 1H)  7

1.42 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 2.88(s, 6H), 8.26- 8.30(m, 1H), 8.40(s, 1H), 8.63-8.64(m, 1H), 9.03(s, 1H), 9.26(s, 1H), 11.72(s, 1H)  8

1.28 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 1.09-1.19(m, 4H), 3.08-3.14(m, 1H), 8.28-8.31(m, 1H), 8.41(s, 1H), 8.64-8.65(m ,1H), 9.04- 9.05(m, 1H), 9.28-9.29(m, 1H), 12.02(s, 1H)  9

1.39 ¹H NMR((CD₃)₂SO): 7.54-7.66(m, 4H), 7.95-7.97(m, 2H), 8.20-8.24(m, 2H), 8.56- 8.58(m, 1H), 9.04(s, 1H), 9.07-9.08(m, 1H) 10

1.35 11

0.83 12

0.54 13

0.81 14

1.51 15

0.67 16

0.41 17

1.81 18

0.9 19

0.69 20

1.08 21

1.24 1) Description of Method for Determination of the log P Values (Formic Acid Method)

The log P values given in the table were determined in accordance with EEC Directive 79/831 Annex V.A8 by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) using a reverse-phase column (C 18). Temperature: 55° C.

Eluents for determination in the acidic range (pH 3.4):

Eluent A: acetonitrile+1 ml of formic acid/liter. Eluent B: water+0.9 ml of formic acid/liter.

Gradient: from 10% eluent A/90% eluent B to 95% eluent A/5% eluent B in 4.25 min.

The calibration was effected with unbranched alkan-2-ones (having 3 to 16 carbon atoms) with known log P values (log P values determined on the basis of the retention times by linear interpolation between two successive alkanones). The lambda max values were determined in the maxima of the chromatographic signals using the UV spectra from 200 nm to 400 nm.

2) Measurement of the NMR Spectra

The NMR spectra were

-   -   a) determined with a Bruker Avance 400 fitted with a flow probe         head (volume 60 μl). The solvent used was CD₃CN or d₆-DMSO, with         tetramethylsilane (0.00 ppm) used as a reference.     -   b) determined with a Bruker Avance II 600. The solvent used was         CD₃CN or d₆-DMSO, with tetramethylsilane (0.00 ppm) used as a         reference.         The splitting of the signals was described as follows: s         (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet), quin         (quintet), m (multiplet).         Boophilus Microplus Test (Injection)

Solvent: dimethyl sulphoxide

To prepare an appropriate active ingredient formulation, 10 mg of active ingredient are mixed with 0.5 ml of solvent and the concentrate is diluted with solvent to the desired concentration. The active ingredient solution is injected into the abdomen (Boophilus microplus), and the animals are transferred into dishes and stored in a climate-controlled room. The activity is assessed by laying of fertile eggs.

After 7 days, the efficacy in % is determined. 100% means that none of the ticks has laid any fertile eggs.

In this test, for example, the following compound of the Preparation Examples showed an efficacy of 100% at an application rate of 20 μg/animal: 1

Myzus Test (Spray Treatment)

Solvent: 78 parts by weight of acetone

-   -   1.5 parts by weight of dimethylformamide

Emulsifier: 0.5 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To prepare an appropriate active ingredient preparation, 1 part by weight of active ingredient is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration. Discs of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) infested by all stages of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) are sprayed with an active ingredient preparation of the desired concentration.

After 6 days, the efficacy in % is determined. 100% means that all of the aphids have been killed; 0% means that none of the aphids have been killed.

In this test, for example, the following compounds of the Preparation Examples showed an efficacy of 100% at an application rate of 500 g/ha: 7, 6, 3, 2

In this test, for example, the following compounds of the Preparation Examples showed an efficacy of 90% at an application rate of 500 g/ha: 4, 8

In this test, for example, the following compound of the Preparation Examples showed an efficacy of 80% at an application rate of 500 g/ha: 1 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I), a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof,

in which A¹ and A² are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkoxy, G¹ is N or C-A¹, and G² is a radical selected from the group consisting of

in which the arrow marks the bond to the adjacent ring, R₁ in the case of the heterocycles (A) and (D) is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, alkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylthio or haloalkyl, or R¹ in the case of heterocycle (C) is hydrogen, alkyl or haloalkyl, B is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylthio or alkoxy, and G³ is a radical selected from the group consisting of

in which the arrow marks the bond to G² and the radicals (F), (G), (H), (K) and (L) can be combined with the heterocycles (A), (B), (C) and (D), and the radical (J) can be combined with the heterocycles (A), (C) and (D), X is oxygen or sulphur, n is 1 or 2, R² is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, optionally halogen-substituted alkylcarbonyl, optionally halogen-substituted alkoxycarbonyl, optionally halogen-, alkyl-, alkoxy-, haloalkyl- or cyano-substituted cycloalkylcarbonyl, or a cation, R³ and R⁷ are each independently in each case optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl, in each case optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, or cycloalkenyl, in which the rings optionally contain at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, in each case optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or an optionally substituted amino group, or R² and R³ optionally form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R⁴ and R⁵ are each independently in each case optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, or alkynyl, in each case optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, or cycloalkenyl, in which the rings optionally contain at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, in each case optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or an optionally substituted amino group, R⁸ is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, or alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, or cycloalkenyl, in which the rings optionally contain at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or an optionally substituted amino group, R² and R⁵ optionally form, together with the N—C(X) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R⁶ is hydrogen or alkyl, R² and R⁶ optionally form, together with the nitrogen atoms to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which optionally contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R⁶ and R⁷ optionally form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R² and R⁸ optionally form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally substituted 4- to 8-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, L is oxygen or sulphur, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each independently in each case optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkenyloxy, cycloalkylalkoxy, alkylthio, alkenylthio, phenoxy, phenylthio, benzyloxy, benzylthio, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylalkoxy or heteroarylalkylthio, or R⁹ and R¹⁰ optionally form, together with the phosphorus atom to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which optionally contain one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and sulphur, and R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently in each case optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl or phenylalkyl, with the proviso that R⁷ in the group (F) is not methyl when G¹ is C—H, G² is the radical (A), R¹ is methyl, n is 2, X is oxygen and A¹, R² and R⁶ are each hydrogen.
 2. A composition comprising at least one compound of formula (I) according to claim 1, a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, and an extender, a surfactant, or a combination thereof.
 3. A method for controlling pests, comprising applying a compound of formula (I) according to claim 1, a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, their habitat, or a combination thereof.
 4. A method for controlling pests, comprising applying a composition according to claim 2 to the pests, their habitat, or a combination thereof.
 5. The compound of formula (I), of claim
 1. 6. The N-oxide of the compound of formula (I), of claim
 1. 7. The salt of the compound of formula (I), of claim
 1. 8. A metal complex of the compound of formula (I), of claim
 1. 9. A method of making a composition, comprising combining a compound of formula (I), a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, of claim 1, and an extender, a surfactant, or a combination thereof.
 10. A method of protecting crops, comprising applying the compound of formula (I), a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, of claim 1, to the crops.
 11. A method of protecting crops, comprising applying the compound of formula (I), of claim 1, to the crops.
 12. A method of protecting crops, comprising applying a salt of the compound of formula (I), of claim 1, to the crops.
 13. The compound of formula (I), a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, of claim 1, in which A¹ and A² are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy, R¹ in the case of the heterocycles (A) and (D) is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, or R¹ in the case of heterocycle (C) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, B is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, -C₆-alkoxy or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, R² is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, cyano-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, or C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally halogen-substituted C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, optionally halogen-substituted C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl- or cyano-substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkylcarbonyl, or a mono- or divalent metal ion, or an optionally C₁-C₆-alkyl- or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-substituted ammonium ion, R³ and R⁷ are each independently in each case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl- or C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, or C₂-C₆-alkynyl, in each case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy- or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, or C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyl, in which the rings optionally contain at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, in each case optionally halogen-, cyano- (including in the alkyl moiety), nitro-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-, amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-, di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₂-C₆-alkenyl-, C₂-C₆-alkynyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl- or aminocarbonyl-substituted aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or NR′R″ in which R′ and R″ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxylcarbonyl, R² and R³ optionally form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R⁴ and R⁵ are each independently in each case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl- or C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyl or C₂-C₆-alkynyl, in each case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy- or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyl, in which the rings optionally contain at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, in each case optionally halogen-, cyano- (including in the alkyl moiety), nitro-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-, amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-, di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₂-C₆-alkenyl-, C₂-C₆-alkynyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl- or aminocarbonyl-substituted aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or NR′R″ in which R′ and R″ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxylcarbonyl, R⁸ is hydrogen, optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl- or C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, or C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy- or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyl, in which the rings optionally contain at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, in each case optionally halogen-, cyano- (including in the alkyl moiety), nitro-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-, C₁-C₆-alkylthio-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphinyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylsulphonyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulphonyl-, amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-, di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₂-C₆-alkenyl-, C₂-C₆-alkynyl-, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl- or aminocarbonyl-substituted aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, or NR′R″ in which R′ and R″ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxylcarbonyl, R² and R⁵ optionally form, together with the N—C(X) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, R² and R⁶ optionally form, together with the nitrogen atoms to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which optionally contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R⁶ and R optionally form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R² and R⁸ optionally form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which optionally contain one or more further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulphur, oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and nitrogen, and/or optionally contain at least one carbonyl group, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each independently in each case halogen-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy, C₂-C₆-alkynyloxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyloxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkenyloxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₂-C₆-alkenylthio, phenoxy, phenylthio, benzyloxy, benzylthio, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkoxy or heteroaryl-C₁-C₆-alkylthio, or R⁹ and R¹⁰ optionally form, together with the phosphorus atom to which they are bonded, a saturated or unsaturated and optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted 5- to 7-membered ring which optionally contain one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen (where oxygen atoms must not be immediately adjacent) and sulphur, and R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently in each case optionally halogen-, C₁-C₆-alkyl-, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, phenyl or phenyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl.
 14. The compound of formula (I), a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, of claim 13, in which R³ and R⁷ are each independently a group of

(where the arrow in each case marks the bond to the sulphur atom in the radicals (F) and (J)), R² and R³ form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a group of

(where the arrow in each case marks the bond to G²), R² and R⁵ form, together with the N—C(X) group to which they are bonded, a group of

(where the arrow in each case marks the bond to the sulphur atom in the radical (L)), R² and R⁶ form, together with the N—N group to which they are bonded, a group of:

(where the arrow again in each case marks the bond to G²), R⁶ and R⁷ form, together with the N—S(O)_(n) group to which they are bonded, a group of

(where the arrow in each case marks the bond to the C(X) group), R² and R⁸ form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, a group of

(where the arrow in each case marks the bond to the sulphur atom in the radical (K)), R⁹ and R¹⁰ form, together with the phosphorus atom to which they are bonded, a group of

(where the arrow marks the bond to the nitrogen atom in the radical (G)).
 15. The compound of formula (I), a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, of claim 1, in which A¹ is hydrogen, halogen or cyano, A² is hydrogen, R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl, B is hydrogen, G³ is a radical of the group (L)

in which the arrow marks the bond to G² and the radical (L) can be combined with the heterocycles (A), (B), (C) and (D), X is oxygen, n is 2, R² is hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl or C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally halogen-substituted C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, optionally halogen-substituted C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, optionally halogen-, C₁-C₁-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl- or cyano-substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkylcarbonyl, or a mono- or divalent metal ion, or an optionally C₁-C₄-alkyl- or aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-substituted ammonium ion, R⁵ is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, di-C₁-C₄-alkylamino or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl.
 16. The compound of formula (I), a salt thereof, or an N-oxide thereof, of claim 15, in which A¹ is hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine, G¹ is N, C—H, C—F or C—Cl, R¹ is hydrogen or methyl, and R² is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, CH₂OCH₃, CH₂OCH₂CH₃, COCH₃, COCH₂CH₃, cyclopropyl, Na⁺, K⁺ or ⁺NMe₄, R⁵ is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, CH₂CF₃, CH₂CF₂CH₃, cyclopropyl, dimethylamino, or CH₂-(2-pyrimidyl). 